Fastener are tools used to hold materials together, and choosing the incorrect fastener can cause problem during a home project. A person might select a fastener that is too thinly or a fastener that is too short, and selecting an incorrect fastener can lead to a stripped screw head or a split piece of wood. Because a screw head can be stripped or a piece of wood can be split, you must understand an anatomy of a fastener before you begin a project.
The anatomy of a fastener include the threads, the pitch of the threads, and the shank. The threads provides the grip for the fastener, and the pitch of the threads is the distance between the ridges of the threads. A coarse thread pitch is effectiveness for wood, but a fine thread pitch is necessary for precision work.
Parts of a Fastener and How to Choose One
The shank is the smooth section of the fastener located below the head, and the shank affects how much load a joint can carry. Because the threads and the shank dictates how a fastener behaves, you must consider the threads and the shank when you select a fastener. The head of a fastener and the drive type of a fastener are also important factors in selecting a fastener.
A flat head allow a fastener to sit flush with a surface, and a flat head is often used in cabinetry because a flat head create a clean look. A hex head provide high torque, and a hex head is used for heavy-duty structural connections because a hex head allow for high torque. The drive type, such as a Phillips drive or a Torx drive, determines how much force you can apply to a fastener.
If the drive type of the bit does not match the drive type of the screw head, the bit will slip, and if the bit slip, the screw head will become stripped. To avoid a stripped screw head, you must ensure that the bit match the drive type and that you apply enough downward pressure while you apply force. The material of a fastener is a critical factor, and the material of a fastener must match the environment where the fastener will be use.
A zinc-plated fastener may be used for many task, but a zinc-plated fastener will rust if you use a zinc-plated fastener in an outdoor environment. Stainless steel is a better material for outdoor environments because stainless steel does not rust as easy as zinc-plated metal. Additionally, you must consider how you drive the fastener into the material.
If you are using dense hardwood, you must drill a pilot hole because a pilot hole prevent the wood from cracking. You can also rub wax on the threads of a fastener to reduce friction, and reducing friction help the fastener glide into the wood smooth. Because the material and the driving method affect the outcome, you must plan the material and the driving method to ensure a successful project.
